News

Tributes pour in for county councillor

Published

12 years ago

February 27, 2014

TRIBUTES have been pouring in over the past week following the death of former TGWU district secretary and Pembrokeshire Lottery founder Danny Fellows OBE.

A former county councillor, Danny passed away surrounded by his family in Milford Haven on Monday. He was 71.

Bob Clarke, Pembrokeshire Lottery Company Secretary said: “Danny’s vision and commitment to the creation of the Pembrokeshire Lottery was unstinting and for over 20 years he worked with the Board and Investment Panel to ensure its long term aims and future, helping Pembrokeshire businesses create jobs.

“His negotiating skills were legendary and his passion for the advancement of Pembrokeshire was unquestionable. He used all of this to good effect to establish a loan fund that has so far benefited over 330 local businesses and will continue to assist many more in the future.

“He was a great friend and a wise council to many and will be sorely missed. Our sincere condolences go to Christine and his family at this very sad time.”

Danny was a personal friend of MP Stephen Crabb, who commented: “Danny was not only a dear friend who knew me since I was a boy, but a fantastic champion for our county. Throughout his years as a trade unionist, Labour Party activist and latterly an independent councillor, his overriding interest and priority was the wellbeing of Pembrokeshire, in particular seeing new jobs created for our young people.

“In founding the Pembrokeshire Lottery, Danny provided a lifeline to small businesses at a very difficult time, helping to fuel economic growth and provide security for countless families in our community. Danny had a massive heart and a huge vision for our county and the Pembrokeshire Lottery is just one small part of the legacy he leaves behind.

“Over the last eight years as local MP I sought his advice on a great many occasions and I always found his guidance to be both wise and practical. Danny was an inspirational mentor to me and so many others and I know that his loss will be felt deeply across the county. Pembrokeshire has lost one its finest servants and my thoughts and prayers are with Christine and the family at this time.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Jamie Adams, has paid tribute to former County Councillor, Danny Fellows.

Councillor Adams said: “Danny was a key figure in the economic life of Pembrokeshire for many years and he will be sadly missed.

“We should recognise his contribution to the county firstly as a leading Trades Union official and more latterly as an elected member of Pembrokeshire County Council which he served with distinction.

“I have always believed that part of Danny’s appeal was that he was a man of reason, who could see both sides of an argument. This meant he was never entrenched in his views and this, in turn, gave him the ability to mediate and find common ground in conflict.

“In short he was a man you could do business with. This was an essential part of his make-up and served him well over the years.

“My sympathy goes to his family in their sad loss.”

Mr Fellows’ funeral will be held next Tuesday, February 25 at 1.30pm at Christ Church, Priory Road, Milford Haven. All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, 01646 693180.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

18 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

19 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

19 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.